Friday, December 30, 2005

Primitive Sound System Thursday December 29th at DC's

Hello Y'all,
Nothing could make my vacation more complete than a night of spinning records at DC's Tavern. The lingering gases of the Christmas spirit and the fumes from those diesel powered menorahs may have you still a bit dizzy, if not completely comatose, so I'll do my best to rejuvenate you all for New Years...or not. So get out, prime the pump, enjoy the music and as always; if you're drinking don't drive, if you're driving don't drink. Please always tip your bartenders. (Jersey still smokes.) See you there.

- pat.

Thursday, December 29th 10PM -2AM
DC's Tavern
BOOZE - POOL - JUKEBOX
SMOKE 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM
505 8th Street
Hoboken, NJ
PH: 201-792-5550
eMail: dcs@dcstavern.com
http://www.myspace.com/dcstavern

Some ear-delicious tunes:
Johnnie Taylor (The Soul Philosopher) - "Doing My Own Thing" (Part II) (Stax Records cat. STA-0122)
OK, Stax Records is and always will be one of my favorite labels. Side one of this is a pretty standard Blusey, Soulful take with a Gospel style build-up but part two is just insane. Part two has a slamming drumming intro (most likely Al JAckson) that doesn't let up for a second. The drums aren't even noticeable in the mix on side one so it is like they felt like righting this injustice with this bare drums and guitar take. The background is filled with the angelic backups and horns from the first side but seem to be reverbed a bit more while the drums and guitar are as raw as clams on the half shell. Mmmmm.

Swamp Dogg - "Total Destruction To Your Mind" (Canyon cat. #53)
One of the craziest Soul songs ever. "Sittin' on a corn flake, Riding on a roller skate." This is some tripped out Dr. Seuss shit set to one of the grooviest backing tracks. Political between the lines and delivered with a smile. Swap Dogg's (a.k.a Jerry Williams) voice has an oily quality that is just as distinctive as it is slightly off making it one of my favorites. Writer, Producer, Arranger, Performer! Let's here for the Dogg!

Etta James - "Out On The Street, Again" (Chess cat. )
Replacing a very worn copy of this one with this nice new shiny one warms my soul. After Inbetween played this at 12" bar I realized that I just don't play this enough and now I have no reason not to. I have listened to it about 10 times tonight alone. Some performances just sound inspired and even though Ms. James rarely misses the mark or gives a mediocre performance something about this take just does it for me. Opening with an extended intro lead by drums the track builds to quite an epic. Back alleys, craps, shady characters and Black Magic. Hopefully some one has been smart enough to use this in a soundtrack. It's probably safe to assume that no one has so that is my tip of the day.

King Floyd - "Let Me See You Do THat Thing" (Chimneyville cat. CH NO. 442)
Why some people are relegated to the "One Hit Wonder" category is a real crime. King Floyd's first two records are great. His first LP is nothing short of perfect if you ask me even though "Groove Me" was originally rejected by Stax and Atlantic. This track is off his second effort. Driven by a slow bass line reminiscent of the sound from his first LP, with a heavy Muscle Shoals influence and of course that sweet raspy voice that entices the ears with every note.

I have a selection spanning 5 decades including some Blues, Country, Garage, Psych, Rock-N-Roll, Punk, New Wave, Hardcore, R&B, Soul, Funk, Gospel, Jazz and Latin.

Some Latin cover versions along for the ride:
El Chicano - "Brown Eyed Girl" (Kapp cat. K-2173)
Ricardo Ray - "Nitty Gritty" (Alegre cat. X-4024)
Cal Tjader - "Evil Ways" (Fantasy cat. FANT-659)
Willie Bobo - "Sunshine Superman" (Verve cat. VK-10448)
Orchestra Harlow - "Larry' Complaint" (Me & My Monkey) (Fania cat. 495)
Joe Bataan - "Es Tu Cosa" (It's Your Thing) (Fania cat. 535)
La Lupe - "Touch Me" (Roulette cat. R-7043) Dare me to play it, just dare me.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's - Tuesday December 6th

Hello Y'all,
I'll be holding court at Maxwell's once again on December 6th for their "Turntable Tuesdays". After a two month absence I get to pull the plug on the jukebox and try to avoid any of the herald boxes contents. I have been DJing for my son a lot and it turns out he has great taste... he loves my record collection. So, I have grabbed some of his favorites as well as a whole bunch of records I have acquired in the past two months. I'l also be sharing the decks on Monday December 12th for the Maxwell's Holiday Party. Some of my favorite music in the world are Christmas songs and I pretty much only get to play them for about two weeks every year.

By the way the last time I was at Maxwell's I had quite an experience so let's hope the cast of Hoboken's The Real World stay the fuck home. Unfortunately the face of Hoboken has changed and it isn't pretty nor is it even interesting.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions for Turntable Tuesdays (9PM - 2AM)
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

LPs:
The Animated Egg - "A Love Built On Sand" "I Said, She Said, Ah Cid" and "Sock It My Way" (Alshire Presents cat. SF-5104)
The Animated Egg were on of a few bands that gave some of the 101 Strings records balls if not at least a dose of acid. This LP let's the band showcase its talents from very original sounding material to the "sound-alike" songs they were usually called upon to produce (i.e Gimme Some Lovin' = "T" omorrow" on this particular LP). The guitarist and keyboards get the most play (if you will) and they certainly are deserved of the spotlight. Organ and guitar wrestle in soulful interplay throughout the LP. The few stand out tracks are also the most aggressive tracks. "Sock It My Way" is more commonly known by the title "Flameout" which appears more famously on "Astro Sounds From Beyond The Year 2000" (cat. 5119) but is presented here (preferably (for me at least)) without the sharp strings which bury most of the track. Many of the tracks from the Animated Eggs LP appear throughout the catalog of 101 Strings but are lost behind the wall of strings created by using 101 of them. All in all this is a pretty great Rock Instrumental record.

Other 101 Strings / Alshire Records LPs worth checking out are:
"Hank Williams & Other Country Greats" (cat. S-5103)
"Sounds Of Today" (cat. S-5078)
"...Play Million Sellers Written By The Beatles And "Other" Now Writers" (cat. S-5111)
"Astro Sounds From Beyond The Year 2000" (cat. S-5119)
"Famous Songs of Hank Williams... a return trip with Modern Sounds" (Cat. S-5136)
(There may be others let me know!)

Fat Albert and The Cosby Kids - Starring In "Creativity" "The Fat Albert Theme" (Kid Stuff Records KS021)
Plot: "The famous Junk Yard Band is organized when the kids are unable to afford musical instruments." This was always one of my favorite episodes. Weirdly the theme is a different version than the one we are all used to. Taken at a slower pace with a vocalist who seems to be struggling to jut get through the song and it does lack that deep "Hey, Hey Hey" that is the signature of Fat Albert but it is still quite a groover. What is weirdest of all is musically the backing track sounds very very close to the original. It seems to be a alternate take with a scratch vocal.

Urbie Green And His Electric Bone - "Fantastic Stereo Volume 6 - Green Power" songs: "Lumps" "Green Power" and the Bob Dorough track "Comin' Home Baby" (Barclay cat. 920.262 T)
Like the 101 Strings his is also a record you can probably still find this for a buck. "Lumps" is the real winner here. Super clean production allow the Grady Tates drums to stand out and are pretty upfront for a "Jazz" record. A variety of keyboards keep everything grooving even on the slower songs which compliment the Varitone sounding Trombone. "Comin' Home Baby" highlights the keys and drums best and it is a non-stop mover and groover with some great Tony Mottola electric guitar added to the mix. The title cut would fit in with any Muse or even Tribe Soul Jazz LP with some expressive solos that never disrupt the flow.

Dominic Fontiere - Music From The Film "On Any Sunday" songs: "On Any Sunday" and "Cross Country" (bell cat. BELL 1206)
My brother gave me this LP a long time ago for two reasons. It's the soundtrack to a Steve McQueen recommended motor cross movie and because it has some genuinely funky songs. With Carole Kaye on bass and Larry Bunker on drums it should be expected that there would be at least some soulful moments but better still you also get fast passed Garagey trips through the dunes. The theme is a slamming monster opening with a signature Kaye line which quickly builds to an ensemble fuzz guitar lead funk number. "Cross Country" is not much different dynamically and it is always hard to choose which of these gems to drop the needle on.

The Nucleus (Galt MacDermot) - S/T songs: "Golden Apples - Part ," "Duffer" and "Love Scene" (Kilmarnock KIL 72001)
It would take 3 emails to really explian this LP and how I got it so I'll keep it short. I have about 8 Kilmarnock LPs and 6 45s. All of them were given to me by Eothan "Egon" Alapatt and Galt himself. "Golden Apples - Part 1" is a raw cut from 1971 with a very simple theme that leads into funky segments either lead by Galt or Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. All the while Billy Nichols and Ted Dunbar slash guitars over Gordon Edwards steady bassline that seem to ground most of the songs. The record is a moody one with a few really amazing moments from some truly great players.

45's
The Turtles - "Buzz Saw" (White Whale cat. WW292)
Jack Hansen & His Orch. - "The Jerk" (Dance Along Records cat. P-6088)
"Uncle Festers Blues" (Hoctor Records (Division of Dance Records, Inc.) cat. H-2783)
The Pastel Six - "Bandido" (Zen Records cat. 102)
The Sunglows - "Happy Hippo" (Sunglow Record Company cat. SG 107)
The Dave Clark Five - "Glad All Over" (Epic cat. 5-9656 (w/ pic sleeve))
Tommy Roe - "Jam Up Jelly Tight" b/w "Moontalk" (abc RECORDS cat. 45-11247)
Devo another fine product of The De-Evolution Band - "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" b/w "Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Getting" (Booji Boy Records cat. 75677)
Mongo Santamaria - "Hot Dog" b/w "Chili Beans" (Columbia cat. 4-44653)
Jimmy Brown - "Funky Funky Boogaloo" (A-Bet cat. 9426)
One-Der-Ful Band - "Honey In The Be-Bo" (One-der-ful! cat. 3264)
Scott Bros. Orch. - "A Hunk O' Funk" (Toddlin Town Records cat. 125)
The Globetrotters - "Everybody Needs Love" (Kirshner cat. 63-5016)
The Combinations - "Bump Ball!" (Rca Victor cat. 47-9482)
Little Eva - "Let's Turkey Trot" (Dimension cat. 1006)
Jackie Lee - "The Duck" (Mirwood Records cat. 5502)
Calvin Arnold - "Lovely Way To Go" b/w "Scoobie Do" (Venture Records cat. VE-610)
5ive Style - "Waiting On The Eclipse" (Sub Pop cat. SP 271)
Stereolab - "Heavy Denim" (Duophonic UHF Disks cat. D-UHF-D07)

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Primitive Sound System and Inbetween - "Filet O' Soul" at 12" Bar - Friday, November 25

Hello Y'all,
On Friday, November 25th I'll be spinning in tandem with Inbetween at 12" Bar in NYC. We'll be working the friers, broilers and Barbecued ribs for the bars Filet of Soul night. I have never DJ'd with Josch but what a better way to get to know someone than through their record collection. Obviously this is the day after Thanksgiving so why not forget those inane conversations with relatives you have nothing in common with or the 40lbs. of stuffing you chased with 6 slices of pie with... alcohol and Soulful grooves. The night is called Filet of Soul so that is exactly what we'll be spinning so I didn't include descriptions just an insanely long sample play list. Come for the alcohol but stay for the music.

- pat
Primitive Sound System

Filet O'Soul
Friday, November 25th 10PM - closing
12 Inch Bar Inc
(212) 505-6027
179 Essex St
New York, NY 10002

Here's some 45's to lift your spirits, shake your ass or move your body:
Pat's Record Box:
Soul Continentals - "Goobah" b/w "Bowlegs" (Sound Stage 7 cat. 45-2609)
Willie Smith Acc. by Cliff Driver's Infernal Machine - "I Got A New Thing b/w "I Got A New Thing - instrumental" (Genuine Records cat. 1227)
Eastwind - "Nabbit Juice Part i & II" (Magic Minstrel cat. 3002)
Vic Pitts Cheaters Featuring Omar DuPree - "Loose Boodie" b/w "Modern Crucification" (Jewel Records cat. 846)
Blackrock - Blackrock "Yeah, Yeah" (Select O Hits cat. S.O.H. 006)
The Brothers Two - "You Got It" b/w Boogaloo (Soul Party)" (Crimson Records Inc. cat. CR-1011)
Sons of Darkness - "Funky Thing" (P & G Records (P.P. Means Poor People with Prtentiality cat. 445)
Joe Walls - "Sound Success" (J and N Records cat. JN101)
Soul Brothers Six - "Can You Feel The Vibrations (Instrumental Version)" (GRT of Canada LTD. cat. 1230-128)
South Side Coalition - "The Power-Play" (Brown Dog cat. BD 9012)
Skullsnaps - "Al's Razor Blade" (Grill Records cat. GR-301)
Different Shades - "I Like It - Vocal / Instrumental" (Sone Lady cat. SL 007)
Jimmy Jones, SOUL BROTHER No. 2 Henry De Meo & Orch - "Say, Amen, Brother" (Jody Records cat. A-9014)
The New Establishment - "Slums Of The City" (United World cat. UW-45-3601 (UW-1001))
Joe Savage and The Soul People - "All Power To The People Part I & II" (Jacklyn Records cat. 1010)
Midnight Movers Unltd. - "Follow The Wind" (Renee cat. REP 3004)

Some Instrumentals:
The BBC - "Upside Down" (Mega cat. 615-0091 (M2RS-1630 Promo Copy)
Hot Stuff - "Hustle Bustle" (Sound House Records cat. SHR-1006)
Bill Cosby With The Bunions Bradford Band - "Hikky Burr - Part One & Two" (Uni cat. 55184)
Barney Bungle & Klarence Kleen - "Martian Walk" (Partee / Stax cat. PBA-1302)
Panic Buttons - "O-Wow" (Gamble cat. G-230)
Hindal Butts - "In The Pocket" (M-S Records cat. M-S 220)
Wayne Cochran - "Chopper 70" (King cat. 45-6326)
Willie Tell & The Overtures - "Kick-Back" (Chess cat. 2086 DJ Copy)
The Fabulous Counts - "Jan Jan" (Moira cat. 45-103)
The Politicians - "Free Your Mind" (Instrumental) (Buddah Records / Radio Active Gold cat. RD 'One Million' 123)
Mickey And The Soul Generation - "Iron Leg" (Maxwell cat. L-803)
Booker T. & The M. G. 's - "Melting Pot" (Stax cat. STA-0082)
Bad Medicine - "Trespasser" PT. 1 & 2 (Enyx Records cat. EN - 002)
Super Cirkus - "Bubblegum March" (Super-K cat. SK 9)
The Mohawks - "The Champ" (Cotillion Records cat. 45-44002)
Bill Deal & The Rhondels - "Tuck's Theme" (Heritage cat. HE 818)
The Deacons - "Sock It To Me Part I & II" (Shama Records cat. Record No. S-100)

Some Jazz:
Pretty Purdie - "Funky Donkey" (Date cat. 2-1568 Radio Station Copy / Special Rush Reservice)
Grady Tate - "Be Black Baby" (Skye cat. #4520)
Dennis Coff & The Lyman Woodward Trio - "River Rouge" (Maverick cat. MA-1007)
Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand - Part i & II" (Blue Note cat. BN-1955)
Grant Green - "Ain't It Funky Now - Part I & II" (Blue Note cat. BN 1960)
The Three Sounds - "Sittin' Duck" (Blue Note cat. 45-1950 Plug Side Promo)
Jimmy McGriff - "The Worm" (Solid State cat. SD 2524)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. PRT-750)
Idris Muhammad - "Express Yourself" b/w "Super Bad" (Prestige cat. 45-743)
Funk Inc. - "Bowlegs" (Prestige cat. Prestige-754)
Gene Ammons - "Jungle Strut" (Prestige PRT-737)
Charlie Earland - "Black Talk Part 1 & 2" (Prestige cat. 45-731)
Chester Thompson - "Powerhouse - Part 1 & 2" (Black Jazz cat. BJ-1007)
Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers - "Doin' What I Wanna" (Atlantic cat. 45-5103 Wht Lbl Promo)
Red Holloway - "Gittin' Down (The Churn)" (RHRecords cat. 003)
Andrew's Music Presents Who Got De Funk? - "Who Got De Funk?" (Andrew's Music cat. AM-45-4-1 a.k.a Andrew White)
Thelonious Sphere Monk - "Consecutive Seconds" (Columbia cat. 4-44780 WHT LBL Promo)
Miles Davis - "Molester (Part 1 & 2)" (Columbia cat. 4-45709 WHT LBL Promo)
Herbie Hancock - "Crossings" (Warner Brothers cat. WB 7598 WHT LBL Promo)
The Headhunters - "God Make Me Funky" (Arista Records cat. AS 0115)

Latin Funk / Boo-Ga-Loo / Soul:
The Pazant Brothers - "Skunk Juice" b/w "Toe Jam" (RCA Victor cat. 47-9634)
Moon People - "Land Of Love" (Speed cat. SP 1002 (003))
Mandrill - "Fencewalk" (Polydor cat. PD 14163)
Ballin' Jack - "Found A Child" (Columbia cat. 4-45348 (JZSS 154681))
El Chicano - "Viva Tirado Part I & II" (Kapp cat. K-2085)
Ricardo Marrero And The Group - "Babalonia" b/w "My Friend" (Don cat. DK-101)
Bobby Valentin - "Guarambembere" (Fania cat. 510)
Ray Barretto - "Together" (Fania cat. 501)
Mongo Santamaria - "Cold Sweat" (Columbia cat. 4-44502 (ZSP 136897)
Brown Brothers Of Soul - "Cholo" (Specialty cat. 698 (7031))
The Village Callers - "Hector" (Rampart Records cat. 659)
Senor Soul - "It's Your Thing" b/w "Some Got It, Some Don't" (Whiz Records cat. 611 (WH-258))
Johnny Zamot - "Spaced Out" (Gema Records cat. 1638)

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Filet O'Soul at the 12-inch Bar - Nov 25th

Hey Y'all,
Mmmmmmm... that's the smell of delicious new vinyl records. Makes "that new car smell" or fresh baked cookies smell like dung. Sooo, I made some cash at the DC's Tavern Record Swap in October and by some evil cosmic convergence the WFMU Record Fair is in November. I did buy some records before the FMU fair but nothing gets the saliva running more than a room filled with VINYL RECORDS. Unfortunately nothing gets the tears flowing like a room filled with stinky record collectors. Anyway, I made my way back to Mr. Fine Wine and the immutable Greg Tormo. As is usually the case I handed over the contents of my wallet to these two fine gentlemen and made off with some amazing new finds. Lately I have been making my way through the Sound Stage 7 and Tangerine Records catalogs and was able to get 4 new ones this round. More familiar to my ears and collection is the amazing Jimmy McGriff. McGriff is possibly one of the few Jazz musicians who not only embraced the Funk era but helped to shape it. Jazz musicians occasionally made a Funk or Funky song and some even made a couple Soul Jazz / Funk LPs but McGriff honed his sound from the early 60's Go-Go / Soul groove to pure Funk sounds worthy of James Brown and his stable of Funky sidemen. After hanging out with very little digging at the FMU Fair someone mentioned that my favorite dealers had returned to the Fair. I like to call these guys the "Dollar Guys" which is a pretty uncreative nickname since this is exactly what these guys are. I have rarely seen a record in their many, many boxes for more than $3 or $4 but the large majority of the records are $1 and $1.25. I dug deep and was able to find 20 bucks and walked away with 18 amazing finds including a Miles Davis promo only mix of "Molester" and what could be the only Thelonious Monk groove track I know of.

On Friday, November 25th i'll be spinning in tandem with Inbetween at 12" Bar in NYC. We'll be working the friers, broilers and Barbecued ribs for the bars Filet of Soul night. I have never DJ'd with Josch but what a better way to get to know someone than through their record collection. It looks like I'll be bringing a lot of the new finds listed below as well as a menu of Soulful Food grooves.

- pat
Primitive Sound System

Filet O'Soul
Friday, November 25th 10PM - closing
12 Inch Bar Inc
(212) 505-6027
179 Essex St
New York, NY 10002

45s:

Hot Stuff - "Down For The Count" b/w "Hustle Bustle" (Sound House Records cat. SHR-1006)
In the Late 80's I spent over 100 days traveling to Newburgh New York to Stewart International Airport where I was a laborer on the construction of an airplane hanger for the then owner of Channel Lumber and I believe the sporting goods chain Morsans. I travelled more times than not in a dumptruck. If you have never travelled over 2 hours in a dumptruck, consider yourself very lucky. So there I stood thinking of those 100 or so days daydreaming when I suddenly realized Mr. Fine Wine was saying something to me. "That's a pretty great and a rare record." You could have knocked me over with a feather (and at 280lbs that is saying something). Funky... great.. and rare, from Newburgh? Hell no, I don't believe it. Well guess what? Yes on all three. "Down For The Count" is a fast passed blast with smooth yet shouted vocals. "Hustle Bustle" is a Jazzier Funk groove just the way I like 'em and instrumental to boot. Both sides will get lots and lots of play.

The Nite Sounds - "(I Love You) With Tender Passion" b/w "Cheese Cake" (Fortune cat. 548)
Cheese Cake! HEY! Horn driven, bass heavy, drum slamming, slow burn goodness. This is one of those songs that parts of it sound like other songs but they come and go so quickly you can't remember what is what. The raw messy recording makes it feel like these guys are doing this for the hell of it and it turned out so good that just had to share it. "...Tender Passion" is a bit more composed but does have that same raw feel. Sounds a little like a rocking Earl Bostic tune.

Tiny Fuller Group - "Duck Strut" b/w "Turkey Jerk" (GAN Records cat. 1001)
How appropriate a turkey song. I don't pass up food songs or animal songs and this little slab o'wax has got'em both. Duck Strut swings nicely and has some throaty organ and jangly guitar. it's a foot tapper if you know what I mean. "Turkey Jerk" on the other hand is what keeps my buying and looking for more. "Sounding a Little like "Have Love Will Travel" this one should get the ladies and gents shaking their shoulders and twisting their hips. What really makes the track a stand out is the guitar player who seems oblivious to the fact that there is a recording session going on. He wails with feed back and random notes throughout the track... Oh shit! He's the turkey. It is also possible he is on acid. Thank you mystery guitar player.

Rockin' Rebels - "Wild Weekend" b/w "Wild Weekend Cha-Cha" (Swan cat. S-4125)
A wild weekend it certainly is. Sax, drums, guitar pound out the time of their life on one of my favorite revved up dirty rocking instrumentals. I think the best part is towards the end when everyone seems unsure when the end of this two minute blast is. They almost hold it together but someone in the studio makes the wise decision to fade it all out.

The Martinis - "Bullseye" b/w "Holiday Cheer" (U.S.A. Records cat. TM-2312)
Drums pound out the intro to this grooving little instrumental. Piano jumps in with the guitar but soon we are greeted with some really nice organ and a fantastic but brief sax solo. Everyone gives the drummer some, reminiscent of the intro, and we start all over again but this time we are treated to a heaping helping of heavy organ. "Holiday Cheer" makes for a nice addition to any party. *DING*DONG* - pour the punch and we are off. Piano and guitar duel it out over a steady pounding beat and are soon joined by some very vocal sax. Guitar, piano, crowd sounds and sleigh bells dominate the festivities and a good time is had by all.

Ross Carnegie His Hammond Organ And Band - "Cool Dad" b/w "Win Lose or Draw" (El-Con Records cat. EL-49)
This is an upgrade copy. I have probably talked about this track more than any other. Swinging, Soulful, Funky and down right mean! This track hit me like a sledge hammer the first time I heard it and it has lost any of its wallop. Perfection.

Timmy Norman and The O'Jahs - "Let It All Hang Out" b/w "Roadside 75" (Sound Stage 7 cat. 45-2599)
Timmy Norman and The O'Jahs take on The Hombres most famous track on the A side of this 45 but it's the "B" side that really blows me away. I first heard this on Mr. Fine Wines show it it eventually made its way to the finals for selection on the Vital Organs and was cut in the last round. An organ track if there ever was with the organ way up in the mix and the drums beating out a soulful groove. As with any great organ track the drums and organ are all you need but what really makes them great is either a wild sax or guitar solo. Here we get a guitar solo and a nice little drum break to push the great meter into the red. Still a favorite and I am happy to finally have my own copy.

Sam Baker - "I Love You" b/w "Hold Back, Girl" (Sound Stage 7 cat. SS7-2630)
The music of Sam Baker is one of the reasons I got turned onto the Sound Stage 7 label. "I Love You" is one of the songs that I first heard. I'm not usually drawn to ballads but Mr. Baker squeezes the most out of his voice as the band keeps a level head and steady groove. "Hold Back, Girl" is a bit more upbeat with Mr. Baker's voice being more smooth than shouting but he's still not afraid to challenge the horn section.

Sterling Magee - "I Still Believe In You" b/w "tighten Up" (Tangerine Records cat. TRC 975)
I know very little about Sterling McGee but what I do know is this is one of my favorite vocal performances I have heard in a long time. Mixing an almost spoken style with a gritty soul sound including some mmms and a quick cat like screech that plays well with this steady and sometimes soulful garagey sounding tune. I especially like the bass and keyboards in the breaks. "Tighten Up" is a bit more predictable with a very James Brown sound but does include a lot more of the cat like screeches that were so appealing on "I Still Believe In You." I can only assume that he is the same person I found referred to as Mr. Satan.

Jimmy Lewis - "That's A Girl For You" b/w "I Just Want To Talk About You" (Tangerine Records cat. TRC-1012)
I know Jimmy Lewis from my Ray Charles records on Tangerine and I believe he is the same Jimmy Lewis palying bass on some of my favorite Prestige releases. Mr. Lewis has one of those voices that always sounds like he is struggling for the next word but somehow he never loses it and it all comes out sounding very very soulful. The "B" is the real winner here. Both the band and Mr Lewis get down and dirty putting his voice on the verge to great use. Added to the instrumentation of the "A" side is great background vocals and a jangly guitar that let's Mr Lewis' voice shine and also helps to showcase the thumb picked bass playing.

Rare Earth - (I Know) I'm Losing You" b/w "When Joanie Smiles" (Rare Earth cat. R 5017)
"(I Know) I'm Losing You" is a favorite song for me like versions of "Summertime" and "People Make The World Go Round." You better be up to the challenge and you better not wimp out when tackling this groove classic. Rare Earth are not only up to the challenge but they break it all down into a spacey conga driven soundscape before pulling themselves out with a slashing yet fuzz filled guitar part. The 7" obviously fades as the album version is somewhere around 15 minutes long. "Can the DJ get a pee break?!"

Rock-A-Teens - "Woo-Hoo" b/w "Untrue" (Roulette cat. R-4192)
Upgrade copy of this crazy 50's romp.

The Kingpins - "Ode To Billie Joe" b/w "In The Pocket" (Atco Records cat. 45-6516)
"In The Pocket" is one of King Curtis' funky grooves. Beautifully recorded allowing all the instruments to have a moment in the spotlight even without the use of traditional solos. Of course The King himself gets to take a whaling run at the end and it keeps the whole thing interesting right to the conclusion. "Ode" is as good as a version of this song as any.

Leon Haywood - "Cornbread And Buttermilk" b/w "It's Got To Be Mellow" (Decca cat. Record No. 32164)
A down home walk on a country road. The pace of this one never breaks stride and Haywood's slightly aggressive playing keeps things from being boring or samey. Guitar, organ, drums, and sax; that's a recipe for cool if you ask me.

Thelonious Sphere Monk - "Just A Glance At Love" b/w "Consecutive Seconds" (Columbia cat. 4-44780 (White Label Promo))
Sounding very Rahsaan Roland Kirk on "Consecutive Seconds" Monk's playing is very soulful and not just in a Jazz sense. It is practically an instrumental soul track and when the horns layout Monk and his drummer get Funky. I don't remember liking the LP "Monk's Blues" but I always loved the cover and a few of the tracks. I guess this was one of them and amazingly released on a 7".

Miles Davis - "Molester (Part 1 & 2)" (Columbia cat. 4-45709 (Radio Station Copy))
In 1998 I helped sell about 100 copies of the Miles Davis LP "Panthalassa." One of the LP's strongest selling points was the track entitled "Black Satin." I had heard the grooves that made up this LP many, many times (In A Silent Way, On The Corner, and Get Up With It) but some of the mixes made this LP far more raw and definitely more organic than the Miles / Teo Macero mixes released in the 70's. Imagine my surprise upon dropping the needle on this promo 45 and hearing the grooves as they were released on Panthalassa. "Molester" (a.k.a "Black Satin") is one of the funkiest Davis tracks from is Jazz/ Funk /Rock Experimental period. Tambura, tablas, bells, effected horns, electric piano, organ, fuzz / effected guitar, whistles and of course funky, funky drumming make up and help shape the already active Prog Rock era. ("Rated X" from Pantahlassa is rather mind blowing as is the Mosaic In A Silent Way box set.)

Jimmy McGriff - "I've Got A Woman Part 1 & 2" (Sue Records Inc. cat. Record No. 770)
Even on this early 50's rocker McGriff swings from start to finish. Recorded sometime in the early 60's ("62-"64 perhaps) it is apparent and very evident of his growing interests in all things Soulful. His organ lines played over a fast passed Funk groove would be equally appropriate. I'll be playing this bad boy in the early half my sets with the other 50's early 60's instrumentals.

Jimmy McGriff - "You Are My Sunshine" b/w "The Day Of Wine And Roses" (Solid State cat. SD 2516)
Thanks to Dyke and the Blazers I take notice to the wonderfully soulful tune known as "You Are My Sunshine." Here McGriff and crew give it a slightly Latin Go-Go bounce which is sure to put a smile on your face and a wiggle in your walk.

Jimmy McGriff - "Chris Cross" b/w "Back On The Track" (Solid State cat. SD 2534)
This copy of "Chris Cross" has seen better days so I will be seeking a clean one. Slow Funk groove with incredible horn lines and blasts throughout. McGriff and the drummer beat the hell out of poor Chris Cross but it is much to my delight.

Jimmy McGriff - "I'm Walking (Part One & Two)" (Milestone cat. M-313)
McGriff's version of this Dave Bartholomew song made most famous by Fats Domino is not as bad as one might expect. Actually it is quite good if not less funky and more Bluesy than his work that I really love. An amazing guitar solo by Melvin Sparks doesn't hurt as well as a very 50's sax run to make it all that much more enjoyable. If you are unfamiliar with McGriff this isn't the best place to start but it certainly does make for a nice finish.

Brother Jack McDuff - "Win, Lose or Draw" b/w "Black Is!" (Cadet cat. 5632)
McDuff's sound is usually a bluesy one so I don't have many of his recordings BUT, when the man is in the groove he is hard to beat. "Win, Lose or Draw" is a funky vamp with a nice Go-Go sound. "Black Is!" is a bit more Jazzy but one with a nice rock beat, a very upfront guitar and a whaling sax.

Mongo Santamaria - "Chili Beans" b/w "Hot Dog" (Columbia cat. 4-44653 (Not For Resale / Radio Station Copy))
"Chili Beans' starts in with a sweet piano vamp and then kicks with pounding congas and drums. The horns have that commercial Boo-Ga-Loo sound but they never get corner. The drumming is the highlight and very obviously Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. "Hot Dog" is a bit more interesting with the same aggressive conga and traps attack with some better compositional moments than "Chili Beans" including a really nice sax breakout.

The Horace Silver Quintet - "Que Pasa, Part 1 & 2" (Blue Note cat. 45-1913)
Oddly the sax is the first thing most notable on this Silver composition from The Song For My Father LP. The sax plays it a bit more free than would be expected but it has a very nice feel over the slightly Latinized groove. One of my favorite aspects to Silver's arrangements (and common to many Blue Note records) is the use of syncopated horn lines. Used here to great affect which help to make the quieter moments that much more powerful.

Freddie Roach - "Brown Sugar" b/w "Next Time You See Me" (Blue Note cat. 45-1914)
Classic Blue Note Soul Jazz; "Brown Sugar" is an organ groover with very vocal sounding sax and swinging drums.

Doug Carn - "Moonchild - Part 1 & 2" (Black Jazz cat. BJ-1003)
Black Jazz records shining star Doug Carn shows why he was the most popular of the labels artists on this wonderfully moody and constantly building composition. Drums and horns push and pull as the piano keeps the rhythm with deep bass. Horns leap and swirl in and around the composition like a leaf on the air.

Dave Hubbard - "Respect Yourself" b/w "B.C." (Mainstream cat. MRL 5515)
Free Jazz saxman Dave Hubbard gets his groove on during his interpretation of the Staples most known and wicked track. He certainly gives the track its propers and the band is down right funky. "B.C." stretches out more but still keeps things in the groove similar to tracks on the Tribe label from the same time period. Hubbard is more effective in this setting as he gets to give it his all and the band is forced to keep up or get left behind. Electric piano and steady hi-hat laydown an atmospheric bed but not one for resting.

Clarence Foster and the Internal Revenue Service - "Fry Chicken In Your Hot Pants" b/w "Dunk It Down Chocolate Thunder" (Freestyle cat. FSR7014)
Damn fast drumming lead off the oddly titled "Fry Chicken In Your Hot Pants" and never let up for one moment. Each instrument tries its hand at subduing the slamming beast but none are able to tame this manic player. He cuts himself off quite abruptly most likely to catch his breath. "Dunk It Down Chocolate Thunder" pays homage to one of my favorite athletes of all time. Sixers center, the one and only, Darryl Dawkins. Our manic drummer is back out front again but this time he lets the others play along with his heavy ass, raw drumming. Sounding like it was recorded in the 60's "Dunk" is raw and funky with scratch guitar, bass and an odd sounding keyboard all mixing it up nicely.

Weston Prim and Backlash - "Spider Web" b/w "Simmerin'" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45 - 026)
The good folks over at Funk 45 (Jazzman Records (UK)) are unstoppable with their perfect, ever growing re-issue catalog. I think I already have "Spider Web" on a comp somewhere but this re-issue has great clear sound. Strong composition with syncopated horns, a great sax solo in the middle, aggressive guitar and it's all being pushed along by some Funky Jazz drumming and a bass line that is heavy as hell. "Simmerin" doesn't have the same production value but the composition is also far more raw with a party feel complete with shouting sax and crowd sounds.

Stone Cold Picnic - "Erotic Cakes" b/w "Funk Food Family" (Soul Cookers cat. SCR02)
"Erotic Cakes" moves along organ heavy and with a shoulder shakin, head bobbing feel all accompanied with fuzzed electric guitar and some sexy moans throughout. "Funk Food Family" drew me in just for the name alone and doesn't disappoint. Guitar takes the lead but the drums demand equal voice in this Meters sounding instrumental. The song builds on its 60's organ sound to become a bit more rocking about half way through. This is one good time funky track that could be my personal favorite by these guys.


Menomena - "Posh Isolation" b/w "Tung Track" (Polyvinyl Record Co. cat. PRC - 085-7)
I read about these guys about 2 years ago. Their LP "I Am The Fun Blame Monster" was the first record I purchased from iTunes. Beautifully spooky guitar leads off this break filled instrumental. Nice round sounding bass drives the bottom with a simple but moving groove. not very varied but captivating nonetheless. "Tung Track" also keeps things spooky with some interesting recording effects but then gives us the goods with that same warm bass sound and of course those funky break filled drums. Vocals don't detract from the experimental feel of the music. The vocals and the piano compliment each other perfectly and at times are one. I can't get enough of these guys.

Cult of Luna - "Unfold The Inside" b/w "The Art of Self Extermination" (Hydra Head cat. HH666-57 (White Vinyl))
Cult of Luna are one of the few bands in the so called New Metal category that really get me going. Buzzing guitars, pounding simple drums and driving bass sway, heave and propel each song. What appear to be wordless vocals in the, as I like to say, White Fang from the Soupy Sales show vein area as much a part of the instrumentation as the rest of the band. If I was 14 I'd be throwing shit around my studio and screaming along. "The Art..." really slows things down and the sound is less crowded which somehow comes out sounding more melodic. This aint no Pop song mind you, but I can see this getting some play at DC's.

LPs: Too tired to run these down. I'll get to them in the next list.

Menomena - "I Am The Fun Blame Monster - The First Menomena Album" (Film Guerrero cat. Fg22 (White Label with fold out origami cover)
Easily on my "favorite LP's off all-time" list.

Pelican - "Australasia" (Hydra Head Records (Limited Edition Color Vinyl))
Updated copy to an original limited edition color vinyl version.

Pelican / Mono - "Limited Edition Split LP" (Tempoary Residence Limited cat. TRR89 (Hydra Head industries Version))

Red Sparowes / Gregor Samsa "Split LP" (Pirates Press? cat. ROBO - 044)

Int'l Shades - "Hash Wednesday" (Cass Records MAMA-018)

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Primitive Sound System at DC's Tavern - Cowboys and Indians Halloween Party - Monday October 31st

Hello Y'all,
Ahh, the Season of The Witch! DC's Tavern in Hoboken is having a Halloween party and it is actually on Halloween (Monday, October 31st). Celebrating a holiday on a day that is "more convenient" is completely lost on me. Do you really need to pretend it is a holiday to just have a drink? We don't, we're drinking on a school night people so tell your parents you're going out trick or cheering and to save the treats to get through the hangover. There is a theme to this one: Cowboys and Indians. This is a peaceful gathering, sharing firewater with the old residents of the new world but knowing the crazy white man things can get illogically out of hand real fast. I have 3 boxes and a bag of records so if we become trapped in DC's for any reason we should have enough music to take us through Thursday. Keeping with our theme I have some Country favorites but for the most part we'll be scaring the neighbors (and possibly waking the dead) with tons of Punk records from the 60's to Now. The usual suspects are in there like the Halloween favorites from The Misfits, The Dickies, The Adverts, etc, etc... There is a little something for everyone and you know we'll be getting our skip on, skipping and dipping the Skipper Dipper... "I'm Not Your Ice Cream Cone."

Remember, if you're drinking don't drive, if you're driving don't drink and always tip your bartenders. (Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Jersey still smokes.)

- pat.

DC's Tavern
"Back In Boooo-k"
505 8th Street (Between Jefferson and Madison)
Hoboken NJ
For More Info:
phone: 201-792-5550
www.dcstavern.com
email: dcs@dcstavern.com

Some records to spook you whether you are a Cowboy or Indian:

Parliament - "Dr. Funkenstein" (Casablanca cat. NB 875)
The Disco King with the Monster Sound. Weirdly I am no fan of theatre but I do love Funkadelic (Parliament) and KISS. The Dr. comes directly out the Mother Ship with a slow hand groove, crazy voices and spooky keyboards in one groovy Monster Mash! Kiss me on my ego.

Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt Kickers - "Monster Mash" b/w "Monster Mash Party" (parrot cat. 45-348)
No need to talk about "Monster mash" because if you don't know this song you have been living in a cave. Monster Mash Party has a nice 60's swing with screams, growls, Monster sounds chains and callouts to some 60's dances all appropriate for any Monster Mash. Basically organ and drums as a soundtrack for Monster A-Go-Go so please do...Go-Go.

John Zacherle "The Cool Ghoul" - "Dinner With Drac" Part 1 & 2 (Cameo cat. C 130)
Probably my favorite of the "Monster" tracks. Great 50's instrumental with wailing sax, pounding drums, jazzy guitar all the while The Cool Ghoul lays out his nightly plans and festivities for one hell of a Ghouls Ball. Both sides will make their way to the woofers and tweeters tonight. Good night...whatever you are?!

Kellogg's presents H.R. Pufinstuff starring Jack Wild (Jimmy) - Billie Hayes (Witchiepoo) - Lennie Weinrib (Pufinstuf) - Joan Gerber (Judy Frog) - Butch Hunnicutt (The Boyds) Witchiepoo - "Oranges, Smoranges" (Capitol Records Special Products cat. CP-57)
Witchiepoo cuts a rug while pondering the inability of mere mortals to rhyme any word with "oranges." Slick but moving track compliments this wicked witches gravel voiced vocals. Short and to the point and always a favorite.

Warren Zevon - "Werewolves of London" (Asylum Records cat. E-45472)

Link Wray and The Raymen - "Batman Theme" (Swan (Don't Drop Out) cat. s- 4244 - T)
Batman is a vigilante that stalked his "victims," I mean the bad guys like prey. This makes him one creepy dude on the side of the good. The theme song has been done about 100 times and I probably have about half of them. Of course Link Wray and his mighty Raymen take this already great Neal Hefti tune into swampy / surfy territory, throw in some bizarre vocal breaks and of course fuzzed out guitar.

More Batman stuff in the box:
"Batman Theme" and Others Composed and Conducted by Neal Hefti (RCA Victor (Dynagroove Recording) cat. LPM-3573)
Maxwell Davis - Batman Theme! Composed by Neal Hefti and Other Bat Songs (Crown Records cat. CST 509)

Danny Hutton - "Monster Shindig" (Hanna Barbera Records cat. HBR 447)
This is a kids party track if there ever was. Sesame Street worthy vocal tones and harmonies over horns, raw drums and Hutton's stabbing guitar style. It gets me going though so I guess big kids will dig this Shindig as much as the wee ones.

12":
bauhaus - "Bela Lugosi's Dead" (Small Wonder Records cat. TEENY 2

The Cramps - "The Crusher" (I.R.S. (International Record Syndicate, Inc.) cat. PFSX 1008

LPs:
Jimmy Smith - Theme From 'The Munsters' From "Monster" The Incredible Jimmy Smith Arranged and Conducted by Oliver Nelson (Verve cat. V-8618)
This version, jazzier than the original, does benefit from Smith's stretched out note style on the organ for spooky effect. The drums are a bit more up front than most Jazz records of its time giving it more of an organ Instrumental feel than a Jazz tune. The song is a timeless one and the show was easily the best of its kind featuring appearances by a few 60's Garage / Psyche bands.

Hot Rod Hootenanny Featuring The Weirdos and the Voice of Mr. Gasser (Capitol Records cat. T 2010)

Frankie Stein and his Ghouls - "Ghoul Music - Sounds and Dance Music - Twist - Frug - Fox Trot - Hully Gully - Swim" (Power Records cat. 340)
I had listened to the other Frankie Stein and The Ghouls records while at Finyl Vinyl and I have to say not only does this one have the best cover it also has the best tracks. Like all the records the recording is raw and a little loose which gives the whole thing a nice spooky Garage feel. The instrumentation is no big surprise here; sax, guitar, drums, organ and more vocal and sound effects than any one record should ever have but somehow it is all very listenable. The cover is a painting of a fanged ghoul who is under attack by a green clawed monster. The scene depicted here is a close-up of the the Monster's claw hooked into the lower lid of the Ghoul's right eye. Very bloody and quite effective. Maybe the cover came first and inspired Mr. Stein and his crew or maybe their inspired set was cause for such a great cover. Who knows.

Gene Moss - "Dacula's Greatest Hits (Warning! This is a HORRIBLE record)" (RCA Victor cat. LPM-2977)
Jack Davis cover and a sheet of Monster trading cards make this one of the best LPs in my entire collection. Davis not only does the front and amazing back cover there is a sheet of individual Monster trading cards included. Musically not the greatest record in the world but "Surf Monster" and "Monster Bossa Nova" are pretty great and quite groovy.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show O.S.T (Ode Records cat. SP-77031)

Martino - Brighetti - "Dracula Cha-Cha" From the O.S.T "Tempi duri per i vampiri"
This is on a comp that I bought years ago called "Music and Songs from Italian Films of International Fame (Original Sound Tracks recorded In Italy)" and contains some really great tracks from Nino Roto and many others. I know nothing about this movie but the track "Dracula Cha-Cha" is one wild cut. "Drac-U-La, Drac-U-La Cha..." The music is a swinging Cha-Cha with spooky vocals sung by what sounds like Nosferatu himself.

The Edgar Winter Group - "Frankenstein" From "They Only Come Out At Night" (Epic cat. KE 31584)

Halloween Starring Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (Kid Stuff Repertory Company) - "Mudfoot" (Kid Stuff Records cat. KS029)

The Banana Splits - "I'm Gonna Find a Cave" (sadly this is a bootleg from a few years back)

Herbie Hancock - "Afro Boogie," "Far Out," and "Hot and Heavy" (Starjazz / Jazz International Ltd.cat. SJAZZ 4)
Three amazing tracks with a Go-Go feel from one of the greatest Jazz musicians and arrangers ever. The tracks are filled with bongos and move with a great party groove. I don't know much about these tracks (players, recording date, etc...) but I do remember them being reissued a few years back.

Robert Gordon with Link Wray - "Flying Saucer Rock & Roll" (Private Stock Records Ltd. cat. PS 2030)

Bo Diddley - "Who Do You Love" (Chess Records cat. CH-9106)

Esquerita! - Esquerita And The Voola" From "Rockin' The Joint" (Official Records cat. 6001)

Howlin' Wolf - "Evil" (Chess Records cat. 1540)

Albert King - "Born Under A Bad Sign" from "King of the Blues Guitar" (Atlantic cat. SD 8213)

Repo Man - O.S.T. (San Andreas Recods / MCA Records cat. SAR 39019)
Creepy Hardcore Punk classic. Iggy's theme is one of his best efforts for the mid to late 80's and The Plugz Spanish version of "Secret Agent Man' aka "Hombre Secreto" and the closer "Reel Ten" are worth the price of admission alone. As a bonus to the soundtrack originals there are Hardcore classics from Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies, The Circle Jerks, and Fear. One of my favorite movies and soundtracks of all-time...I even own the Laser Disc (OK it's the only Laser Disc I own).

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Primitive Sound System - Mixed Tape Sessions - Oct 17th

Hello Y'all,
Thanks to EVERYONE who came by the Record Swap at DC's Tavern. This one was the best yet with people buying, selling and trading records past 9PM. We had some great new sellers with some of the best records we have seen at the swaps and all for amazing prices. Coming up at DC's is the Halloween Party with a Cowboy and Indians theme on Monday October 31st. Not sure who is supposed to be the spookier of the two choices or is it just the fact that it's a theme party at a bar that is already filled with Freaks and Creeps (you no who you are). I'll be manning the deadly wheels of steal in the Fun House for the Halloween party and I'm bringing Tricks, Treats, Cow Pies, and the healthiest servings of 7" and 12" Punk Rock slabs of vinyl but they must marinate for a week. So in the meantime for your listening pleasure I bring you a list of things that I have come across in the past 3-4 months.

Monday October 31st - DC's Tavern Cowboy and Indian Halloween Theme Party Extravaganza hosted by Merilee and Carolynn
DC's Tavern
"Back In Back"
505 8th Street (Between Jefferson and Madison)
Hoboken NJ
For More Info:
phone: 201-792-5550
www.dcstavern.com
email: dcs@dcstavern.com

Some recent finds and swap acquisitions...

'Big' John Patton - "Fat Judy, Part 1 & 2" (Blue Note cat. 45-1920)
I have been trying to get ANY 45 by John Patton for years and I couldn't be happier with this one. Written by drummer Ben Dixon who has joined Patton on many sessions including the essential Grassella Oliphant "The Grass Is Greener" LP on Atlantic. Like the Oliphant LP "Fat Judy" is a great swinging groover that should get any dance floor bouncing.

Jimmy McGriff - "Stump Juice" b/w "The Worm Turns" (Groove Merchant cat. GM-1033)
I can't say enough about JImmy McGriff. McGriff is easily one of my favorites of the Jazz Organists and had one of his Funkiest runs on Groove Merchant. Ironically "Stump Juice" is the song that gets most of the press but I gotta say that "The Worm Turns" is by far the better track. This is one badass track with a smoking guitar line that rivals some of the best 60's Garage instrumentals.

Rufus Thomas - "The Breakdown (Part I & II)" (Stax cat. STA-0098)
I sold my copy of this at one of the past swaps by accident... what an idiot! Once again this very cheap copy in amazing shape has eased my head. A deep breath and a couple of spins at very loud volumes and all seems right in my very twisted world. Not all tracks with sought after break beats are worth playing all the way through but "... Part II" is nothing short of perfection. Thomas rarely misses regardless of time period or style.

Israel "Popper Stopper" Tolbert - "Shake Your Big Hips" b/w "Lost Love" (Warren Records cat. WAA-107)
I love the Warren LP that the "Popper Stopper" but out in the late 60's. The LP is one of those great mixed tapes running from Soul, Funk, Pop, Rock and Country but it is songs like "Shake Your Big Hips that are the stand outs. I hope I don't have to describe a song called "Shake Your Big Hips."

Booker T. & The MG's - "Boot-Leg" b/e "Outrage" (Stax cat. S-169)
I have played "Boot-Leg" off of the Booker T. Greatest Hits record forever but never even thought of looking for the 7" until now. I got this one very cheap. Heavy fuzzed guitar and pounding drums lead off this funky organ party. At times sounding a bit like AC Reed's "Boogaloo Tramp" this one is right up there with the best or their best like "Red Beans and Rice."

Don Covay & The Jefferson Lemon Blues Band - "Standing In The Grits Line" b/w "Sweet Thing" (Janus Records cat. J-164 "This Song Is Rated "F" (FUNKY)
"Standing..." could be one of my favorite Covay tracks ever and he has a lot of them to like. It's not even for the fact that it is Rated F... for FUNKY. The pace on this track is slow and keeps the tension up and the groove down. Covay's voice is so soulful right from his spoken introduction to his last "Uhh!" New Orleans sounding in the piano and pace with horn bursts and some very tasteful guitar lines push this from beginning to end and it is heavy as hell.

The Meters - "Ease Back" b/w "Ann" (Josie cat. 45-1008)
I used to have every Josie Meters 45 but a few have gone missing. This is one I missed the most so it was nice to get an unplayed store-stock copy for cheap. "Ease Back" has that slow Funk groove that made the The Meters master of their own sound and style and unmatched by any instrumental group. These guys had feel and chops to match. The drumming and guitar are what's most noticeable (like most Meter's tracks) but this time Bass and Organ act as the rhythm section in a more traditional manner allowing the drums to be even more expressive than usual. Zig can do no wrong from his throne and "Ease Back" displays his thinking process as he improvises his way around the beat adding subtle flourishes and pauses all the while .

Ike & Tina Turner - "Cussin' Cryan" & Carryin' On" (Pompeii cat. SD6004)
This has been a hard one to locate in playable shape. One of those great LPs that plays like a mixed tape. Recorded in 1969 the songs run from 50's style R&B to early 70's Funk instrumentals. Recently these Pompeii sessions have gotten reissued in several different configurations. This copy of the LP is a stereo one and unfortunately that means a few tracks were "electronically reprocessed for stereo" which might as well be nails on a chalk board to me but it is only 3 of the tracks so I will keep it.

Maxwell Davis - "Batman Theme! Composed By Neal Hefti and other Bat Songs" (Crown Records CST 509)
The Maxwell Davis here could be the same Maxwell Davis of the 50's LA R&B scene. This LPs sound would certainly hint at that. From start to finish this LP Soulful swings through one organ instrumental after the other. Regardless if this is that Mr. Davis with track titles like "Creepy Crawlers," "Super Chase," "Harry Danger," "Mean An Nasty" and my favorite title of all... "Lawyer Fraud" you'd be foolish to not at least give this a listen. Most of the tracks have a very dated 60's organ instrumental sound and others are almost funky at times but every track kicks ass.

I got the next 4 records at the Record Swap from Peter Gunn...

Timmy Shaw - "I'm A Lonely Guy" b/w "Gonna Send You Back To Georgia" (Scepter / Wand Forever cat. SWF 21,079)
I found a great entry on Wikipedia that included this song - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lennon's_jukebox Regardless of your opinion of John Lennon it is interesting to see what he had loaded into his jukebox. There are not many surprises but there are definitely some interesting entries. Timmy Shaw is apparently an alias and this song has been reissued more than once (here on Scepter / Wand). Shaw kicks the crap out of "I'm A Lonely Guy." This one starts with sweet backing vocals building with the intro and then Shaw jumps and things really get going. The drummer kicks and rolls as the guitar stabs and solos freely throughout the track accentuating Shaw's tortured yet Soulful vocal.

Irma Thomas - "I'd Do It All Over You" b/w "We Won't Be In Your Way Anymore" (Canyon cat. #31)
Recently I can't get enough of the female Soul 45's. Voices as raw as a sax solo and sometimes as sweet as a flute. Although I can listen to the sweet ones I can't get enough of the raw and Funky ones. I never even saw a copy of this and I'm happy as hell that Mr. Gunn had extras. Ms. Thomas follows the beat in a rapping style and practically shouts her lines with her voice on the verge of cracking. Written and arranged by Jerry Williams Jr. a.k.a. Swap Dogg the music is classic Muscles Shoals but with the drums a bit more out front.

Nina Simone - "Save Me" b/w "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" (RCA cat. 1903)
For the past year or so I became obsessed with versions of this song. Aretha Franklin of course made it famous but there are many interpretations. Wanda Davis weighs in with one of the heaviest on her exremely rare 45 but Nina Simone really makes the song here own. The song was recorded in 1969 for RCA and stands up to any of the soul hits of its day. Organ, bass and drums are most prevalent in the mix and help to make this one of the funkiest efforts by the Ms. Simone.

Ray Scott - "Lilly White Mama, Jet Black Dad" (Andre Williams) b/w "The Prayer" (Red Foxx) (Checker cat. 1234)
Mmmmm Here's a good one. I recently started to look for more Andre produced stuff and lo and behold this pops up. I can't find any quick info on who Ray Scott was but I did find this crazy ass Andre discography that is massive - http://koti.mbnet.fi/wdd/andrewilliams.htm. "Lilly White..." is pretty great with a soulful country bounce, spoken word vocals and Gospel backing vocals.

Re-issues and some new bands keeping the Funk alive...

1984 - "There's A Wrinkle In Our Time" b/w "Theme" (previously unreleased) (Tramp Records cat. TR-104)

Bo Baral "Funky Sex Machine" b/w Bo Baral and The Poets Of Rhythm - "Funky Sex Machine (live)" (Tramp Records cat. TR-1003)

The Poets Of Rhythm - "Ham GAllery" b/w Jaguar - "Battle Of Funk" (Freestyle Records cat. FSR7012)

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - "How Do I Let A Good Man Down" b/w "My Man Is A Mean Man" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1024)

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators - "If This Ain't Love (Don't Know What It Is)" b/w "instrumental" (Timmion Records & Studio cat. # 011)

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - Tuesday October 4th - 9:30PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
This week starts the first month of doing the FIRST Tuesday of every month. Did you get that? The first Tuesday of every month. OK, let's move on. As I look up at the clock and it says 2:50 AM I am keeping this one short and sweet. I got about 100 Jazz 45's in tow as well as some "Classic" Rock stuff like the first Television, Modern Lovers, Suicide, etc... records.

Other dates of importance:
October 15th (Saturday) is the next DC's Tavern Record Swap. There a few birthdays and other nice touches that shall be celebrated but of course the focus here is Vinyl and Beer. Come on by. There should be a pack of DJ's doing their thing.

Sunday, October 16th the drinking continues for the First Annual DC's Oktoberfest. Details to follow but I think you might be able to figure this one out.

October 31st DC's will be home to horrific costumes, music and as always drinking... just a typical night at DC's. Not so fast, this one comes with a theme (Country & Western) and two lovely hostesses (Carolyn and Merilee). So Boo, Yah Hoo!

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Some 45's:
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. PRT-750 (PR-2932))
Gary Bartz Ntu Troop - "Dr. Follow's Dance" (Prestige cat. PR-760)
Freddie Roach - "Spacious" (Prestige cat. 45-432)
Bobby Timmons - "Dat Dere" (Riverside cat. REP 3208 (pic sleeve))
Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand" Part 1 & 2 (Blue Note cat. BN-1955)
The Three Sounds - "Still I'm Sad" (Blue Note cat. 45-1935)
Lou Donaldson - "Peepin" (Blue Note cat. 45-1937)
Grant Green - "Ain't It Funky Now" Part 1 & 2 (Blue Note cat. BN 1960)

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - Tuesday September 27th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
This is the last week before I go to a once a month schedule. So far it looks like I will be taking the first Tuesday of each month with a rotating schedule of DJ's the remaining Tuesdays. I do need to get back to doing some artwork and this gives me that opportunity. Speaking of... I am doing a poster for the upcoming DC's Tavern Record Swap scheduled for Saturday, October 15th. Apparently this coincides with the DC's Oktoberfest Weekend. Don't expect the normal run of the mill overpriced specialty brews but a more reasonably priced array of tin cans and familiar bottles. Ahh, tradition.

This Tuesday in the back room at Maxwell's Canada's Black Mountain will be shaking the walls with their own brand of Black Sabbath heavy Stoner Rock sounds which sometimes even border on being truly soulful. Oddly their is also a tip to the Prog/Kraut Rock sounds of the 70's. OK, this band is a perfect Mixed Tape if you ask me. Pulling this week's set was pretty easy.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Some 45's:
New stuffs:
Chuck Womack & The Sweet Souls - "Ham Hocks & Beans Pt.1 & Pt.2" (re-joint cat. RJ7005)
"Put on those Ham Hocks!" Nice sharp drum-break heavy intro snaps this homage to ham, hocks red beans and cornbread... you know soul food. Mr. Womack calmly calls his band to action as drums, bass, guitar, sax simmer to perfection.

Guy Morris - "Hot Pants Party" b/w "Cool It" (Tramp Records cat. TR-102)
Like food songs I can't resist Hot Pants songs. this one has that great party feel that is a necessity for all Hot Pants songs. Mr. Morris even channels Geraldine (Flip Wilson) as the music skips along. The "B" is slightly heavier and could even be a more upbeat version of "Hot Pants Party" but maybe similarities come from the lack of material. Regardless, this is one nice instrumental that may give the Hot Pants side a run for its money when it comes time to drop the needle.

The Peas - "Gettin Some" b/w "Crazy Walk" (Malo cat. ML 765)
FUZZY FUZZY FUZZY Hey that dudes playing the guitar that sounds like the sitar the electric Sitar. After the thick intro things calm down into a Meters/Booker T feel played skillfully like the Acid Jazz band Corduroy. Really nice guitar feel and sounds play over the top of a raw drum and organ base. Crazy Walk starts out a bit slower with a Tony Joe White groove. This is a slow walk threw the jungle. Welcome to Louisiana folks.

The Baker Brothers featuring Vanessa Freeman - "Walk Into My World" b/w "Ponky Wonkett's Revenge" (Peddler cat. PDLR - 003)

Charles Brinkley and Fully Guaranteed - "I'll Be What You Want Me To Be" b/w "In The Pocket" (Music Machine Records cat. MM-3145)
I heard this a while ago and it took forever to find out what it was. Clavinet (maybe Moog) intro into a Stark Reality-esque Jazzy feel but most definitely a late era Funk cut. Vibes (maybe Fender Rhodes) and Organ creep around in the background as the Vocals, Drums and Keyboards are very upfront. An aggressive percussion solo hits toward the end and the song stays in a pulled back mode until it fades.

Peppers - "Stuffed Peppers" b/w "Peace, Love, Freedom" (Avalanche cat. 36015)
Tough bass and organ heavy instrumental with horns that almost sound like they are about to run with the "Jean and Joan and who knows who" line from Evil Ways. The song is filled with ample touches of percussion and even a great little drum / conga break-down that changes the feel slightly but definitely for the better. I have to say this is pretty high up right now as one of my favorite mid-tempo instrumentals. "Peace, Love, Freedom" is a Gospel feel instrumental.

Don Gardner - "I Wanta Know Where Did Our Love Go" b/w "My Baby Likes To Boogaloo" (Tru-Glo-Town cat. 501)

Otis Clay - "She's About A Mover" b/w "You Don't Miss Your Water" (Cotillion Records cat. 44001)

Can - "Moon Shake" (mono/stereo) (United Artists Records cat. UA-XW446-W (promo))
Jaki Liebezeit Can's drummer is not of this world, but then again none of the members of Can were. Can are easily one of the most important bands to me musically as a listener and as a drummer. Indecipherable lyrics play over bass, guitar, drums and sounds all created to perfection with Soulful and Progressive skills unmatched by any band.

Some other stuff...
Dick Hyman and His Electric Eclectis" (Command / ABC Records cat. RS 45-4126 (wht label promo))

The Soft Machine - "Joy Of A Toy" (Probe / Command / ABC Records cat. CP-452)

Ace Frehley - "Snow Blind" (Casablanca Records and Film Works cat. NB 941)
Fuck Yeah! Ace Frehley was still the shit when he recorded his "solo" effort while donning the makeup of his beloved KISS. Snow Blind sounds not much different than Nebula or Fu Manchu just some of the production "effects" date it. When the track picks up the pace suddenly you can really see KISS's influence on the LA Glam scene. I can listen to this track on an endless loop.

Helmet - "Unsung" (Amphetamine Reptile Records cat. NR-18838 (wht. vinyl)
Great drummers abound. Page Hamilton was hailed as the next great guitar player of our time but for me that's not enough to make great music or even a great song... Joe Satriani who? Anyway, guitar-pyrotechnics is a whole other subject all together. Helmet are a band bashing out one of their best songs ever. heavy as hell bass, deep guitar and drums that should move you as well as pound you into submission.

Bobby Franklin's Insanity - "Bring It On Down To Me - Pt 1 & 2" (Thomas cat. TH 801)

The Counts - "Thinking Single" b/w "Why Not Start Over Again" (Westbound Records cat. W 191)

J. J. Callier with Dalton Francis & The Flaming Arrows - "I Got A Groove" (Maison de Soul cat. 45-1003)
Bass and cymbals come around the corner like they have been following you for blocks. The track jumps in with harmonica, vocals, horns and pushed recording levels making it all raw and funky, funky, funky.

LPs:
Red Sparowes - "At The Soundless Dawn" (Robotic Empire cat. RBE-043)
Manfred Mann - "Chapter Three" (Polydor cat. 24-4013)
Frank Zappa - "Hot Rats" (Bizarre / Warner Brothers / Reprise cat. RS6356)
Pierre Henry / Michael Colombier - "Mass For Today (an electronic ballet composed with Michael Colombier)" "The Green Queen and electronic ballet" (Limelight - The total Experience In Sound cat. LS-86065)
Back Door - "s/t" (Warner Brothers cat. K46231)

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - Tuesday September 13th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
First up, an old friend is bringing his brand of song writing craft and distinct vocals to the back room of Maxwell's this Tuesday. Eric Bachmann will be performing solo even though the show is listed as a Crooked Fingers gig. The last time I saw Eric it was also a solo show and as always he could have played for 3 hours with out a complaint from the audience. Eric is always engaging and when his voice hits that soulful Neil Diamond sound at times it makes what he does seem slightly surreal. He started his career with the drunken punk band Archers of Loaf and slowly made his way to his current status as a Singer/Songwriter after briefly visiting a more wild and varied sound under the moniker Barry Black. With or without band Eric has proven to be one of the major and lasting talents of the 90's (horribly titled) Indie Rock scene.

Secondly, I want to spin the tracks I collected after the 1999 release of The Vital Organs that appeared on that comp. Only one of the tracks on the LP was something I was very familiar with. "Shimmy" had already become a regular spin for me and remains one of my favorites to this day. Myself and Grooovy Sounds Unltd. label guru "The Record Brother" were obsessed with this track and it was the only cut we brought to the table. Although we were humbled by Matt's choices it does lead off side two nicely... if I say so myself. I'm not even sure when I first met Matt "Mr. Fine Wine" but I know I was a fan from his very first show on FMU. Matt can school the schooled. He was one of the few folks that the statement, "What he has forgotten about Soul music is more than you hope to ever learn" is not only accurate but an understatement. Putting together the comp took and extraordinarily long time. Unlike most of the comps and reissues prior to the Vital Organs we wanted everyone to get their due. Bootlegging had become all too common and it wasn't something we wanted to be a part of. Matt was the best person for the job because not only did he have the best and rarest records in the world but he knew some of the artists personally. Little did I know prior to my research that I too would get to know some of these men very well and I am certainly the richer for it (and you know I am not talking about money).

WFMU Playlists and Archives for "Mr. Fine Wine"
http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/SV

The Vital Organs on Dusty Groove:
The LP: http://www.dustygroove.com/varfunklp2.htm#27934
The CD: http://www.dustygroove.com/varfunkcd2.htm#27933

The Record Brother:
http://recordbrother.typepad.com
Vital Organs write up from The Brother:
http://recordbrother.typepad.com/imagesilike/2005/02/vital_organs_.html

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Groovy Sounds Unlimited & Mr. Fine Wine Present: Vital Organs (Grooovy Sounds Unltd. cat. GROOVE 0004-1)

SIDE ONE
The TMG's - "The Hatch"
Beyond rare. Beyond good. I tracked down the man who held the rights to this song after talking to about 20 people. Kenneth Higney of Chess and "Attic Demonstration" fame was my last call before reaching Mr. Leonard Mietus. Mr Mietus was one of the most helpful people I dealt with and he wanted nothing in return. His advice was what made putting the comp together easier than it would have ever been. Mr. Meitus holds the rights to 1000's of songs for one reason or another and we promised him we would be back when we put together further comps. I hope Mr. Mietus didn't think I was lying. Grooovy Sounds broke down and then broke up before any of our bigger visions were realized. He was excited to see that we loved the music from this time period and we planned on paying everyone involved.

Louis Chachere - "The Hen"
After the comp came out Matt gave me this as a gift as a thank you for asking him if he would share his knowledge and collection with the world. Thank you. Thank You. Thank You. If anyone asks me what my favorite genre is within the genre of Funk and this 45 is within arms reach this is what I play them. I knew almost all the cuts that made it to the comp from Matt's radio show. This song always stuck out and I had a version on Pure Vol. 3. (I have to do a !Pure night)

Recorded in a cave this has a raw as hell sound that us Troglodytes love. The drum sound is something I hope to achieve one day because I have rarely heard anything like it. Tight snare drum, kicking bass pedal and fast bubbly rolls drive this Hen outta the house. The organ is screaming and perpetuates the myth that the organ is a physical being or monster. All this and screaming horns too. This is what they mean by diggin' in. GET IT, GET IT!

Buddy McKnight - "Everytime Pt. 2"
Anthony Renfro was a sad character to deal with but oddly and pleasantly he was always positive and sometimes downright happy. He knew he had the goods and should be using them to make some cash but hard times and divorce were eating up his time and money. He mailed me several tapes of other available music but unfortunately nothing came close to the party action of "Everytime Pt. 2." He told me of a track that he played on and recorded that featured a young James Marshall Hendrix and that he would send me one. He said that the last one he sold paid for his rent and kept him from being evicted. I pleaded with him to NOT send me one but to send me a tape as he needed it more than I. We sent Anthony a check for the full amount of the royalties before we even pressed the LPs/CD's. I never heard that track and was unable to track him down to say thank you one more time.

Smooth but with a real party feel "Everytime" is sure to put a smile on your face. The playing is tight and the song has a composed feel to it. About midway through the band opens up a bit and the organ really cooks. This is one of those tracks where the very expressive organ is really the vocals of the track.

Ross Carnegie - "Cool Dad"
The man smiling back at you from the cover of the Vital Organs is the one and only Ross Carnegie. I met Mr. Carnegie through one of my favorite musicians, Harold Ousley. Originally we were going to put Carnegie's version of the Ousley penned groover "The Kid." Harold was very easy to get in touch with as he was still recording, performing and was the host of his own cable access Jazz show. Harold came to Finyl Vinyl where I worked at the time and Grooovy Sounds was based and we talked for hours. It was like we knew each other our whole lives. He came in on a regular basis just to shoot the shit and we spoke on the phone often. While recording the 45's that made the final cut suddenly Matt realized he had forgotten to play me the other side of "The Kid." He flipped it over and I flipped out. "Cool Dad" was INSANE. Jazzy-Organ-Funk-Soul-Jazz or whatever the fuck you want to call it this track was IT! Harold was sad to find out that "The Kid" was cut and "Cool Dad" was in. He got me in touch with Ross and one afternoon they made their way down to Finyl Vinyl. Ross was the very definition of 70's style. Where Harold had kept himself very current and forward thinking (many of our talks were about meditation, organic and health foods and the state of music and the world in general) Ross on the other hand was a bit of a throw back. Ross was teaching piano and had his own Church in the ground floor of his home where he stored the organ that you see on the cover of the LP. I went to visit Ross at the Church and in his home. It was so perfect. His office was covered in photos, sheet music, awards and show posters. His daughter ran his daily operations and kept him on his very busy schedule. Ross still performs weekly at the Nordstrom in the White Plains mall (http://rosscarnegie.com/calendar.htm) I hung with Ross on a regular basis and even built him a website (not the one currently active). Saddly (and for reasons unknown to me) Ross stopped talking to me.

"Cool Dad" is all around heavy and truly a bad ass. Ross' band was certainly made up of top notch players (with Harold Ousley on sax you can't go wrong). The track features the organ but the guitar lays down a real cool solo and suddenly off we go again into the theme and beyond. Rolling congas, steady bass and drums round out the sound that is equal parts Funk, Jazz, Soul, R&B and Gospel. Ross's daughter used to tell the other children in the neighborhood that she had the coolest Dad because he didn't have the typical job their parents had. He felt he had to record a song expressing her feelings.

The Martini's - "Bullseye"
I don't have a copy of this and that is not for a lack of looking. I do have a copy of "Hung Over" which includes the sound of someone puking. This was a fun one to track down and ironically due to a split up of publishing companies and lawyers who actually didn't know what to do no one seemed to want to take our money. It's not like these guys are unknown. They are basically the Hi Rhythm Section. Again, I spoke with many many people and no one seemed to know what to do. Oh well.

SIDE TWO
Toussaint McCall - "Shimmy"
eMusic owned the rights to "Shimmy." We had never heard of eMusic but had recently read that they were buying up the rights to catalog after catalog of southern Soul, R&B, Gospel and Rock. Now, of course like 1000's, I have an eMusic monthly MP3 account. I can't think of his name right now but the guy we were dealing with at eMusic was working from his home at the time. I'd say they have grown significantly since then.

"Shimmy" is perfection.

Jimmy Willis - "Soul Power"
I scored a copy of this 2 years ago at the WFMU Record Fair. As for licensing I spoke with no one. Our only lead returned no call backs. I did speak with someone who said they knew Mr. Willis. He gave me the name of a woman he believed was her daughter. She hung up on me.

Sometimes a song can be just about the groove and this song illustrates that perfectly. It's announced at its beginning just so you don't get it wrong, "For your information, this is Soul Power!" Hand claps with shouts, congas and organ are basically all you get here but there is a phantom piano buried in there that keeps it all on track. One of the more interesting and simple tracks in the Soul/Funk genre.

The Organics - "Foot Stumping"
The first time Matt played this for me all I could think was God I hope this one is in my price range... NOPE! "Foot Stumping" is a Bluesy Funk romp that has a very live sound to it. The organ comes in on a long held note and vamps for a while before bowing out to the guitar solo. I have to find my notes but I believe it was Mr. Griswold who told me he was extremely happy to get some money because all he got was a few bucks and a coupon for a chicken from the studio.

King Cain/Silvertone Band - "Don't Give a Damn"
It was near impossible to find info about these guys. This was the one track we never got even one lead on. After we released the comp "Don't Give A Damn" appeared on several other comps.

Filmore Street Soul Rebellions - "Put Your Weight On It Pt. 1"
OK. Let's just say that I completely understand what makes DOLOMITE! so damn appealing. I never had to talk to the man, the myth, the legend known as Rudy Ray Moore but he is responsible for bringing the Filmore Street Soul Rebellions to the attention of the world via his comedy LPs and movie Soundtracks. From what Billy Miller (Norton Records) says I may be lucky because we just might not gotten the comp done. Rudy has tons of music and memorabilia and wants anyone interested to see it all and hear everything he had a hand or tongue in on. Could have sidelined this project for a Rudy Ray Moore release. So I tracked down the two men who's names appear on all the music, Mr. Benjamin Taylor and Mr. Arthur Wright. My initial contact was with Ben Taylor. He asked me if I would call back and talk to both himself and Mr. Wright as Mr. Wright was a better judge of character and to tell you the truth trusted no one. Apparently I passed the test. One thing is for sure these guys loved to talk and being blessed with the gift of gab myself talk we did. Like Mr. Renfro, Ben and Art sent tapes of music but unlike Mr. Renfro's sweet soul tracks their music was just not something I was interested in. It was very processed and sounded like it could be called Disco but it was probably recorded in the 90's sometime. I asked them if they had any tracks from the 60's and 70's but they wouldn't send it to me as Art's paranoia took over. I told them they could send me snippets of the tracks but they were unable to get a studio to make copies. Again I promised them if we do more comps I would fly to Cali and listen to the cuts with them. Grooovy broke down, blah, blah blah and I unfortunately I lost contact with two of the comps more interesting characters.

I have two copies of this. One on Cherry Red Records and one on the Kent Comedian Series LP Rudy Ray Moore Presents The Mr. Jerry Walker Album "The Fairy Godmother." The 45 is a bit more studio than the LP which seems to have a more live feel and includes an introduction by Rudy Ray Moore and some of the best hand claps on any recording. Maybe the live effect was produced in the studio to make you believe The Filmore Street Soul Rebellions were at the club with Mr. Walker. Either way this is a mid-tempo funk stew of organ, shouts, heavy bass, guitar, piano and skittering drums that move between heavy and accents fluidly. To this day I don't think there is a better track that could have closed out the album.

Well that closes part one of my Vital Organ remembrances. When I dig up my notes I'll write up a part two. The below list is just some of the events, people and things that I need to remember more details about. Without a doubt Joe Robinson was by far the best phone call I have ever been a part of.
NOTES:
Joe Robinson
The Hurricane
Moses
Europadisc Direct Metal Mastering (CD's vs LP's)
The Green van
Taxi cab door

I recently picked up a lot of new records and will include them in my next email but I had to include this one item here. If you have never heard this you are in for a treat.

BONUS TRACK:
The BBC (a.k.a. Bill Black's Combo) - "Upside Down" (The word "DOWN" is actually upside down on the label.) (MEGA cat. 615-0091)
The guitar that rips the intro to this funky instrumental is something any current Punk band would be happy to nail down. Almost Jon Spencer Blues Explosion with horns. Slamming drums, organ and bass push this bad ass along and it never once loses the groove. AMAZING!

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - Tuesday September 6th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
In the past month or so I have been fortunate enough to stumble upon some great 45's at unbelievably reasonable prices. Some of these slabs of hot sticky wax cost less than a dollar. There is no better feeling than the one you get from finding records not only that you want but at prices worth picking them up at. Some of these cost a lot more than a dollar but those are things I have been looking for, for a very long time. For example The Pharaohs are a band that I was introduced to while working at Finyl Vinyl in NYC. I was lucky enough to be able to sell/share this band with nearly 100 customers via two Ubiquity Records re-issues (which is an incredible number of copies for a small store). The one song off their album proper that I played out the most was "Black Enuff" and I finally got a copy of the 7" and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. What a great feeling. This along with a handful of others on the list below will see a lot of time on my turntable both at home and where ever anyone will let me spin.

In 1999 I was part of what I thought would be a very long running label based out of NYC. Grooovy Sounds Unltd. only got to put out 3 releases and distributed the fabulous Music Today catalog but I still think it could have been successful for a very long time despite its short run. One of those 3 releases was "Mr. Fine Wine and Grooovy Sounds Unltd. presents Vital Organs Volume I." If you have never heard this comp and claim to be a fan of Organ based Instrumentals Funk, Soul, R&B, Jazz etc... you are sorely missing out. I had the pleasure of organizing the entire comp. I worked directly with Mr. Fine Wine and all the artists we were able to track down and in some cases with publishers, lawyers and record label/industry folk from the 50's, 60's and 70's. When the comp came out it was not exactly common practice to license all the tracks and pay any and all the people who deserved a cut but that is exactly what we did. What this is all leading up to has nothing to do with this weeks set of music. Last week I was notified that Dusty Groove in Chicago has been able to get a hold of many many copies (both CD and vinyl) and are selling them at a reduced price.
The LP: http://www.dustygroove.com/varfunklp2.htm#27934
The CD: http://www.dustygroove.com/varfunkcd2.htm#27933
Scoop them up and give them as gifts. Not only will your friends love you for it but your friends friends will too.

Maybe next week I'll spin the 45's I have collected that were featured on the LP. In the meantime this week will feature some of the cuts below leaning heavily to the soul side. We missed my friend Betty's Birthday a few weeks back and she deserves some down home soulful goodness along with some mid and late 70's dance floor grooves.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

45's:
Ertha Kitt with The Henri Rene' and his Orchestra - "Santa Baby" b/w "Under The Bridges Of Paris" (RCA Victor cat. 47-5502 pic sleeve) Could be the best picture sleeve ever. Totally hot Ertha Kitt in fishnets up in Santa's arms.

Dave Mitchell & The Screamers - "The Trip" b/w "Hang In There" (MET Records cat. 2768-2)
Greg Tormo plays this one at every DC's Record Swap and I HAD TO HAVE one. He emailed me that there was one on eBay and now it is mine. He says it is most likely a 70's Boot but I don't care. The sound is great and I get to play it whenever I want to now.

The Pharaohs - "Is That Black Enough For You?" b/w "Tracks Of My Tears" (Capitol cat. P-3072 promo copy)
First heard of the Pharaohs through the Luv-N-Haight comps. I knew Earth Wind & Fire had a connection to The Salty Peppers but I never heard The Pharaohs. Then Luv-N-Haight reissued the first LP and a previously unreleased live session. Let's just say I was hooked. Their version of "People Make The World Go Round" was nothing short of mind blowing.

The Parliaments - "Good Old Music" b/w "Time" (Revilot cat. RV-223)
I have had a weird love/hate relationship with the monster known as Parlafunkadelic over the years. Maggot Brain is easily one of my favorite records of all-time but as time went on they lost it for me. So, I stick to the early years. This cut is from the Invictus years and it is one of the funkiest records The Parliaments released. This is raw, hard and in your face.

The Fabulous Capris - "Stagger Walk" b/w "In The Alley" (Sticky cat. ST001 re-issue)

Bill Deal & The Rhondels - "Swingin' Tight" b/w "Tuck's Theme" (Heritage cat. HE 818 pic sleeve)
Didn't know this one but something about it seemed worth a listen. The "A" side is pretty mediocre. BUT... the "B" side is a heavy Rock/Funky instrumental. Big organ and big clean production, and as a bonus there is a big ass break beat towards the end.

Coasters - "Love Potion Number Nine" b/w "D.W. Washburn" (King cat. 45 - 6385)
The Coasters album on King is a bit like the Blues LP's cut for Cadet Concept. The tracks on "On Broadway" are heavier and funkier than anything they previously released and from what I can tell over the years was not a favorite amongst Coasters fans/collectors. I never got a copy of the LP but I do have a few of the 45's. ("Cool Jerk" b/w "Talkin' 'Bout A Woman" and "Soul Pad" b/w "Down Home Girl" are the others.)

Billy Guy and The Coasters - "You Move Me" b/w "Take It Easy Greazy" (Sal / Wa cat. 1001-A)
My Dad was a huge Coasters fan and I remember this song from and 8 Track I guess.

Sam & Dave - "Soul Sister, Brown Sugar" b/w "Come On In" (Atlantic cat. 45-2590)
Kickin soul burst. Sam & Dave were so good James Brown recorded similar minded duets with Bobby Byrd just to try and knock them off the top.

War - "Why Can't We Be Friends?" b/w "In Mazatlan" (United Artists Records cat. UA-XW629-X pic sleeve)
Is there a better Summer time band than War? One of the very first tapes I owned was War's Greatest Hits. I walked around with a cassette player that looked like the ones they issued in Elementary School to follow along with film strips. My first Boom Box. The other two tapes in constant rotation were "Best of The Stylistics" and "KISS Alive!" I was 8.

Fatback - "King Tim III (Personality Jock) b/w "You're Are My Candy Sweet" (Spring Records cat. SP 199)
Some consider this the first Rap record. Debates about these subjects are so subjective. Certainly a great 45 regardless of its historical stature.

Gary Byrd - "Every Brother Ain't A Brother" b/w "Are You Really Ready For Black Power" (Real Thing cat. RT 100)
Gary Byrd was a DJ who did some pretty great recordings. Most of them spoken word over slow grooves and beats. Hmm, very Hip Hop...

Freddie Roach - "My People (Soul People)" b/w "Johnny's Comin' Home No More" (Prestige cat. 45-454)
Spoken word over slow organ groove. The history broadens.

Barry White - "For Your Love" (? (Electrosound Group Midwest Inc.) TWX 810-260-2618 ES GRP SHEL Test Pressing)
Big modern sounding recording from Barry White.

King Ernest Baker - "Somebody Somewhere (Is Playing With Yours)" Vocal b/w Instrumental (Funk Records cat. 1007/8M)
Apparently King Ernest Baker recently passed away. He was still recording for the enigmatic Blues label Fat Possum. The Vocal side isn't all that but the Instrumental is incredible. Slamming drums and organ.

Bobby Moore's Rhythm Aces featuring Chico - "Try My Love Again" b/w "Go Ahead And Burn" (Checker cat. 1156)
"Go Ahead And Burn" is a screaming instrumental.

Ben Sidran - "Slippery Hip" b/w "Chances Are" (Blue Thumb cat. BTA 223)

The Sharpees - "Do The 45" b/w "Make Up Your Mind" (One-derful! cat. 4835)
For some reason I always thought I had a copy of this record. Now I do.

Pointer Sisters - "Yes We Can" b/w "Jada" (Blue Thumb Records, Inc. cat. BTA 229)
Big beat intro to one of my favorite versions of this great song.

Albert Collins - "Do The Cissy" b/w "Turnin' On" (Imperial cat. 66391)

Tom Jones - "Looking Out My Window" (Arranged by Keith Mansfield) b/w "A Minute Of Your Time" (Arranged by Mike Vickers (parrot cat. 45-PAR-40035)
I had this song on a horrible compilation so it's great to get it on 45. Tom Jones is always soulful even when he is at his cheesiest. Here he is down right funky and why not with the legendary Keith Mansfield at the helm.

Orchestra Harlow - "Voy Para La Luna" b/w "Larry's Complaint (Me & My Monkey)" (Fania cat. 495)
Beatles covers are for the most part better than the Beatles originals. The "White Album" is one of the few Beatles LP's that I really really like so covers from this LP make them even better. Here Larry Harlow tackles the full throttle pop blast of "Everyone's Got Something To Hide (Except For Me and My Monkey)" and succeeds quite nicely. I have passed on the LP that this comes from for years because the LP is a little uneven at best. (See Ramsey Lewis' "Mother Nature's Son" LP for another incredibly funky version.)

Joe Bataan - "Uptown" b/w "Obatala" (Fania cat. 483)
Most people pick this up for the "Uptown" side but hopefully they flip this bad boy over for one of my favorite Salsa jams ever.

The Ides Of March - "Vehicle" b/w "Lead Me Home Gently" (Warner Bros. - Seven Arts Records cat. 7378)

Rod Stewart - "Oh! No Not My Baby" b/w Rod & Faces (and a bottle of Compari) - "Jodie" (Mercury cat. 73426)

Golden Earring - "Radar Love" b/w "Just Like Vince Taylor" (Track Records cat. MCA-40202)

Elvis Presley - A Touch Of Gold - Volume 3 "All Shook Up" Don't Ask Me Why" b/w "Too Much" Blue Moon of Kentucky" RCA Victor (Gold Standard Series))

Rob Base & D.J. E-Z Rock - "It Takes Two" Vocal / Instrumental (Profile cat. PRO-5186)

Candi Staton - "He Called Me Baby" b/w "What Would Become Of Me" (fame cat. 1476)

Archie Bell & The Drells - "Here I Go Again" Mono / Stereo (Atlantic cat. 45-2693)

Eric Burdon And War - "Home Cookin'" b/w "They Can't Take Away Our Music" featuring Sharon Scott and The Beautiful New Born Children of Southern California (MGM Records cat. K14196)

Jimmy Ruffin - "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" Mono / Stereo (Motown cat. M 1329F wht. label promo)

Jimmy "Bo" Horne - "Dance Across The Floor" (Sunshine Sound cat. 1003 wht. label promo)
A friend of mine played me this about 6-7 years ago. I knew the song but never really paid much attention to it. Aggressive congas and a really strong pre-disco feel.

Joe Simon - "Moon Walk Part I & II" (Sound Stage 7 cat. SS7-2651)

All from "Little Richard's Grooviest 17 Original Hits":
Little Richard - "Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey" b/w "Good Golly Miss Molly" (Specialty cat. 624)
"Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey" is a top 10 favorite party tune if there ever was but then again how many really bad tunes did the self proclaimed King (and deservedly so) actually record.

Little Richard - "Long Tall Sally" b/w "Slippin' And Slidin'" (Specialty cat. 572)

Little Richard - "Send Me Some Lovin'" b/w "Lucille" (Specialty cat. 598)

Lipps, Inc. - "Funytown" b/w "All Night Dancing" (Casablanca Record and Filworks, Inc.cat. NB 2233)

Rufus Thomas - "The Breakdown" (Part I & II) (stax cat. STA-0098)
Lost or accidently sold my copy. This VG at best copy will have to do right now. I am on the look out for a clean one. HELP!

Sister Janet Mead - "The Lord's Prayer" b/w "Take My Hand" (A&M / forget me nots cat. 8574-S)
I saw this record once many years ago and was told to give it a listen. I didn't. This time I didn't let the opportunity pass and holy cow... excuse my French Sista. The intro to this is a monster. Too bad the rest of the song doesn't match. I can't wait to get the damn M-Audio working (I'm almost there) so I can loop this bad boy and play it endlessly.

The Premiers - "Farmer John" b/w " The Blendells - La La La La La" (ERA Records "Back to Back Hits" cat. 024 (BH2))
All too familiar with this classic Garage Rock floor filler but this re-issue has amazing sound so I couldn't pass it up. I have the LP and I have heard the original 7" countless times but I must say nothing comes close to this very loud weirdly cleaner produced 45. Of course The Blendells' "LaLaLaLaLa" is certainly no slouch. I just may have to flip them one after another Papa Rib style (my Dad DJ'd parties with a single record player.)

Free - "Stealer" b/w "Broad Daylight" (A&M Records cat. 1230-S)
Free are one of those bands like The Small Faces/Faces most people just don't know enough about. Recently Bob Segar has been getting his due from those in the know and hopefully the attention will swing to other greats from the most bloated era of rock.

Bob Seger & The Last Heard - "East Side Story (vocal)" b/w "East Side Sound (instrumental)" (Cameo cat. C-438 D.J. Copy)

Ted Nugent - "Cat Scratch Fever" b/w "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (Epic cat. 8-50425)
Something both mind blowing and surprising that these two beauties came out on a single 45.

Elf - "Hoochie Coochie Lady" Mono b/w Stereo (Epic cat. 5-10933)
Threw this in my pile not expecting much. Boy was I wrong. Yet another heavy electric Blues Rocker in the vein of Ram Jam...

CBS "Note Book - For Students Only" - SIDE A Pierce Arrow - "Hot Summer Night" Lake - "Time Bomb" b/w Crawler "Stone Cold Sober" RAM JAM - "BLACK BETTY"

Warrant - "Cherry Pie" (Columbia cat. 38-73510)
HAHAHAHA! WEEEEEEEEEE!

Deee-Lite - "Power Of Love" b/w "Deee-Lite" "Theme power of Love (LP edit)" (Elektra cat. 7-64912)

Apache - "Gangsta Bitch" clean version edit...I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT. Not what the description said.

Edwin Starr - "Agent Double-O-Soul" b/w "Back Street" REISSUE again...not what the description said.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - Tuesday August 30th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
I am DJIng a birthday party this Tuesday for the Mixed Taped Sessions. Actually since I would be DJing anyway I guess I can say I was DJing Tuesday and a Birthday party broke out. There are three bands playing in the back-room all from various edges of the world of Rock via Punk. But enough about them. Just kidding. The line -up is The Black Hollies/The Monumentals/Stuyvesant doors open at 8 p.m. and all this entertainment is FREE. Like the bill I'll be making my way through almost 40 years of Punk Rock and of course anything else that crawls into my boxes from genres far and wide.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM or later)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Adrenalin O.D. - "The Nice Song In The Key Of "D" (Buy Our Records Inc. cat. BOR-7-005)
Fast, Loud, and Stupid. Welcome to the world of Jersey Hardcore. These guys were untouchable. I saw them a lot and they were always amazing. Buzzing is an understatement for their chosen guitar sound. This thing blasts by in 1:13 and it never looses its La,La,La feel. Stooopidly I sold "The Wacky Hijinks of..." and "Let's Barbeque" ep. You can only own so much.

JFA - Blatant Localism EP - "Beach Blanket Bong Out" (Placeb cat. PLA101)
JFA are from Arizona so when they are talking about "beach" that is pretty much all there is. The singer goes as far as to say, "Surf Punks we're not," yeah no shit, not much of a surf in Arizona from what I can tell. The photo on the cover has always killed me. There are 4 kids on the cover. Three of which are a bit Hardcore but it is the fourth kid that cracks me up. He is wearing his Dad's bermuda shorts with a short sleeve T tucked in his pants and big ass 60's Foster Grant type shades. This kid IS Punk Rock. (I dropped my first copy of this right on its edge and it cracked in half. I ordered a new one by mail in 1985. To this day I prefer ordering records from the labels directly.)

Gang Green - "Alcohol" (Taang! Records cat. TAANG SIX)
I'D RATHER DRINK THAN FUCK! This sounds like it was one take in someone's garage. This is one of those many TOP 10 FAVORITES of mine. this song gets me going every time. Screamed, pummeling ode to what else, BEER! Let's make no mistake, these guys aren't screaming for the Grey Goose. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT... I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT! .... ALCOHOL!

Dead Kennedys - "Too Drunk To Fuck" (Alternative Tentacles cat. Virus 2 pic sleeve with insert)
LET'S RIDE! Jello's voice is so unique and the band is as tight as the Bad Brains but with a very California feel. There is something surfy buried in there that keeps it all weirdly "fun" despite the subject matter. I only saw these guys twice and both times it was jaw dropping. The sharp as knives guitar lines of East Bat Ray are the only thing that could possibly compliment Jello's pissed off whiny screams. Hammering beats and a bass line (that is felt not heard) keep it all a bit head bobby.

Dils - "I Hate The Rich" b/w "You're Not Blank (So Baby We're Through)" (What? Records cat. WHAT 02 pic sleeve (No this isn't one of the ones with the stain on it)
"I Hate The Rich" opens with a guitar line that could easily intro a children's song. I bet Hank would run around slamming into things while this is playing. I guess that does make this a children's song. I'll have to wait some time before I tell him what it's about though. I won't call this nostalgia but what the hell happened to music? Did kids forget what is necessary to make Punk Rock? 1-4 members who hate their very existence and even more than that hate everyone else and the state of the world around them. Don't worry how it sounds on tape just shove it in people's faces and when preaching to the converted make sure you don't talk down to them. Don't worry if it doesn't sound like anyone else, actually that is the whole idea. No one cares who your influences are. Yes, Gang of Four was a great band. No your band is not and guess what... you couldn't sound like them if you were doing cover versions. Oh yeah, and play your instruments like you were using them to demolish the room you are playing in. The Dils understood.

The Weirdos - "Destroy All Music" (Bomp! cat. Bomp112 pic sleeve)
DITTO!

buzzcocks with Howard Devoto - Spiral Scratch "Boredom" (a New Hormones product cat. ORG-1)
The Buzzcocks were like no other band before or after. I almost don't feel anything else need be said. I only wish I had gotten to see them live in 1977. Hopefully there is no Heaven and Hell and just a peaceful existence where you get to experience the things you weren't able to do for whatever reason while breathing.

Alternative TV - "You Bastard" (Deptford Fun City Records cat. DCF 002)
Straight up snotty. Why can't all Punk bands except the fact that a rehearsal and a show should be the same thing. Listening to the drummer struggle to make his moves is so anxiety filled it makes me want to smash his kit for him. "Leave me alone, you wasted time, You Bastard, you waste of time." I think I want that on my headstone. Two minutes and thirty-eight seconds!

The Mekons - "I'll Have To Dance Then (On My Own)" Fast Product cat. FAST 7 pic sleeve)
Ahh, The Mekons. I'll be in an old age home and these fuckers will still be relevant. This is an early burst of Punk creativity. This is what Pere Ubu would sound like if they picked up the pace. Crazy Beefheart guitar lines jangle away while the "rhythm guitar" practically gets splintered by lightning fast riffing. The bass is heavy and upfront and it's all held together by stylized vocals and roll heavy drumming.

The Last - "She Don't Know Why I'm Here" (Bomp! cat. BOMP-119 D.J. Copy pic sleeve)
One of the few tracks that people think is the real deal. Instead it came out 10 years after the "67 hey day. Lead off by a throwback guitar intro, double timed drumming, sloppy organ and just slightly off set vocals the track screams from start to finish. The only moment that breaks form is a Punk guitar line about 3/4 of the way in that should get anyone pogoing. I gotta be honest, I can barely make out many of the words but who cares. Echoed screams and 4 track recording muddy everything up and push the meters into the red just the way I like it.

The Special A.K.A. - "Gangsters" b/w "The Selecter "The Selecter" (2 Tone Records cat. TT1/2)
No Doubt are Ska... HAHAHA. Ok, so some might not even consider this Ska but hey this 45 is one of my favorites. Nicely paced and played way better than most New Wave bands wished they ever could. I have said it before and I will say it again...a band is only as good as its drummer. Both tracks have nice loud drumming cranky guitar and naive organ sounds. "The Selector" could qualify as one of the spookiest as well as grooviest tracks ever. Slow horn lines over steady beats, percussion and bass. Perfection.